Switch



Aug. 14, 1923. 1,464,538 E. K. READ SWITCH Filed Feb. 15, 1919 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 WITNESSES. NVENTOR Aug. 14, 1923. 1,464,538

E. K. READ SWITCH Filed Feb. 15 1919 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 14, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ERNEST K. READ, OF WILKINSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

SWITCH.

Application filed February 15, 1919. Serial No. 277,157.

' To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EnNEs'r K. READ, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Vvilkinsburg, in the" county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Switches, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to electric switches and particularly to operating mechanisms for disconnecting switches.

One object of my invention is to provide a switch-operating mechanism that shall be automatic in its operation after initial movement of its control switch.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of the above indicated character that shall be rendered inoperative when the casing thereof is opened.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the above indicated character that shall be simple and inexpensive to construct and effective in its operation.

In practicing my invention, I provide a casing in which is disposed a motor and a transmission device, whereby the rotative motion of the motor is transformed into a reciprocating motion for actuating the switch. Various interlocking devices are provided whereby the motor is rendered inoperative when the main door of the casing is opened and whereby the motor operates independently of its control switch, after being started, until the main switch is either fully opened or fully closed.

In the accompanying drawings, Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of an operating mechanism embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is an end view, partially in section and partially in elevation, of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an elevational View of a pole-type switch embodying my invention, Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the switchoperating mechanism embodying my invention; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a safety switch embodying my invention, and Fig. 6 is an elevational view of a fragment of the main switch-operating mechanism.

A pole-type switch 1 is provided with stationary insulating pillars 2 and 3 and a movable pillar 4 upon which is mounted a bridging contact member 5 that is adapted to engage stationary contact members 6 and 7 on the pillars 2 and 3, respectively. The movable pillar 4 is operatively connected,

through a bell-crank lever 8 and rods 9, to an operating mechanism 10.

The operating mechanism 10 comprises, in general, a-casing 11 having a main door 12 and an auxiliary door 13. A motor 14 is disposed in the casing 11 and is provided with a series-magnet brake 15. The motor is operatively connected to a worm-screw 16 that engages a worm-wheel 17. The wormwheel 17 is mounted on a shaft 18 upon which is loosely mounted a spur gear or ratchet member 19 that is adapted'to c0- operate with teeth 20 on one face of the ratchet wheel 17 to constitute a ratchet -device. The member 19 is retained in engagement with the teeth 20 by a spring 21 and is provided with gear teeth 22 on the periphery thereof for engaging a gear wheel 23 that is mounted on a shaft 24.

By reason of the ratchet connection between the worm wheel 17 and the gear 19, the shaft 24, through which the main switch is actuated, may be manually operated independently of the motor shaft when desired, by means of a handle member to be hereinafter described. A crank arm 25 is also mounted on the shaft 24 and is connected, through a. link 26, to a crank arm 27 that is mounted on a shaft 28 upon which is also mounted a rocking member 29, to which the main switch-operating rods 9 are pivoted.

An object of this invention is to provide a motor-operated switch-actuating system that may be controlled from a remote point by means of a manually operable control switch. In order to simplify the apparatus, mechanism isv employed whereby a motor, which rotates in one direction only, is employed for actuating the main switch. A predetermined movement of the motor armature causes the main switch to be moved to to either open or closed position, and to retain the main switch in open or in closed position until the manually-operated control switch has been reversed. Signal lamps are provided adjacent the manually-operahle control switch for the purpose of indicating the relative positions of the main switch, and these lights are automatically controlled by the movement of the switclractuating mechanism.

A further object is to provide the system with safety means whereby the operation of the main switch is precluded while repairs are being made to the main switchactuating mechanism, or when the door closing the housing for such mechanism is in open position.

With the above objects in view, the motor 14 is provided with a magnet switch 30. A motor controlled switch 31, a secondary switch 32 for controlling the switch 30, and an auxiliary switch 33 are provided for cooperating with the switch 30 to control the operation of the motor under various conditions. The switch 31 is normally held closed by a spring 37 and is provided with a projection 34 that is adapted to be actuated by two cam members 35 and 36 that are carried upon, and rotated with, the crank 25. When the switch 1 is moved to its full-open or full-closed position, the cam members 35 and 36 will separately engage the projection 34 and open the switch 31, and thereby stop the motor before it can further move the main switch out of its respective position.

A manually-operable control switch 41 is provided for controlling the operation of the motor through th medium of the magnet switch 30. This switch is diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 4 and consists of a air of mechanically-connected switch memrs 41 adapted to be normally held in the neutral position illustrated by a spring (not shown) or by other means. The arrangement is such that the switch members 41 may be simultaneously moved into engagement with the contacts 41 located to the left of the switch members 41, or may be simultaneously moved in the opposite direction into engagement with the contacts 41, 10-

cated to the right of the switch members 41.

The switch members are provided with a handle 41 for'operating the said members. A pair of signal lamps 40 are located adjacent the switch 41 and comprise a green lamp marked G and a red lamp marked R, which are adapted to be alternately lighted, the former being lighted when the switch 1 is in open position and the latter being lighted when the switch 1 is in closed position.

The magnet switch 30 is normally held open by a spring (not shown) and is adapted to close when the coil thereof is energ'zed. This switch is controlled by the control switch 41. The switch 32 serves as a secondary switch for controlling the switch 30 and also controls the current through the lamps R and G. The switch 32 is adapted to separately engage the contact members 32 and 32 of the switch 31, and to separatel electricall connect them to a conductor The switch 32 is actuated by a lever 38 that is pivoted to a bearing frame 11, which is provided with lugs 38 and 38" that normally occupy positions at different distances from the axis of rotation of the gear 23 and are adapted to be engaged by lugs 23 and 23", respectively, which are mounted in diametrically opposite relation upon the spokes of the gear 23. The lug 23 engages the lug 38 once each revolution of the gear 23 and rotates the lever 38 counter- CIOCKWISE, thereby moving the switch into engagement with the contact member 32 through the medium of a link 39. Similarly, the lug 23 moves into engagement with the lug 38 once each revolution of the gear 23 and moves the switch 32 into engagement with the contact member 32.

Assuming the main switch 1 to be open and the switch elements to be in the positions shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, that is, positions wherein the control switch is in neutral position, switch 31 is held open, by the cam 35, the switch member 32 is m contact with the contact member 32, the switch 30 is normally open, and the green lamp lighted to indicate that the main switch is open, the operation is as follows: The lamp G is lighted by current from the positive supply conductor 45', through the conductor B, the conductor C, the lamp G, the conductor A, the switch 32, and the conductor D, to the negative conductor 45".

Movement of the switch member 41 into engagement with the contact members 41 permits current to flow through the conductor B, the contact members 41", and the switch elements 41, the conductor E in ener gizing the switch 30, and thence through the conductor F, the switch 32, and the conductor D, to the negative conductor 45 Energization of the coil of the switch 30 closes the switch 30 and permits current to flow through the conductor H, the switch 33, the motor 14, the magnet brake 15 the conductor 1, switch 30, and the conductor D, to the negative conductor 45. Rotation of the motor causes counter-clockwise rotation of the cams 35 and 36 and gear 23, and the instant the cam 35 moves out of engagement with the arm 34 of the switch 31 the spring 37 causes the switch to close and shunt the current then passing through switch 30. Further rotation of the gear 23 moves the lug 23 into engagement with the lug 38 and causes the switch 32 to be moved into engagement with the contact 32", this movement, of course, interrupting the circuit through E and D and deenergizing the coil of the switch 30. This switch then opens but the motor continues to operate by reason of the circuit through the switch 31. The cam 36 does not engage the arm 34 of the switch 31 until after/the main switch 1 has been movedto closed position. After the main switch 1 has been closed, the cam 36 opens the switch 31, thereby interrupting the circuit through the motor and permittin the magnet brake 15 to stop the motor.

t will be apparent from the foregoing that, after the switch has been closed by reason of the movement of the switch members 41 into engagement with the contact members 41*, and the cam has permitted the switch 31 to close, the operation of the motor is out of further control of the control switch 41 until the main switch has been entirely closed. \Vhen the switch 32 is moved into engagement with the contact member 32", the red lamp R is lighted by current flowing through the conductor H, the switch. 33, the conductor J, the switch 32,

' the conductor A, lamp R, and the conductor K, to the negative conductor 45*.

To open the main switch 1, the switch member 41 is moved to the right into engagement with the contact members 41. The coil of the switch 30 is again energized by current flowin through the conductor H, the conductor the switch 32, the conductor F, the coil of the switch 30, conductor E, the switch member 41, the contact members 41, and conductor L. Rotation of the cam 36, causes the switch 31 to be closed, and the motor to be actuated, as before, by current flowing through switch 41. The lug 38 engages the lug 23 carried by the gear 23, and trips. the switch 32 back to its original position. The current through the coil of the switch 30 is then interrupted and the motor will be stopped when the cam 35 again engages the arm 34 of the switch 31 and opens it.

The member 42 is mounted on the shaft 24 and is provided with openings 43 therein to receive a manually-operated handle 44 (see Fig. 3) that may be inserted therein when the auxiliary door 13 of the casing 11 is opened. By means of this handle the main switch can-be actuated independently of the motor shaft, the gear or ratchet member 19 at such time rotating independently of the worm wheel 17. The opening of the auxiliary door does not actuate the switch 33 and does not expose the'operating mechanism of the device.

The switch 33, illustrated in Fig. 5, comprises a switch member 45 pivoted upon a bracket 46 that is secured to an insulating base 46. The switch member 45 is made in the form of a bell crank and carries at one end a roller 47, which is adapted to be de pressed by enga ment of the cover 12 when the cover is in c osed position. The depression of the roller moves the switch member 45 into engagement with the contact member 48, and, therefore, the switch is held in closed position by the cover when the latter is in closed position. A compression spring 49 is supported at one end upon a stationary member 50 that is secured to the insulating base 46, and engages a projection 51 secured to the switch member, and serves to normally hold the switch in open position. The switch 33 is provided for open-circuiting the motor whenever the door 12 of the casing 11 is opened, to thus safeguard anyone working on the circuit against injury caused by accidental operation of the switch 1. Since the motor 14 ceases to operate when the door 12 is opened, it will be seen that, when the switch 33 is again closed, irrespective of the position of the switch 1 when it was opened, the motor 14 will operate again and thus complete the operation of either opening or closing the switch, as the case may be.

Further, it will be understood that, since the switch 32 disconnects the magnet switch 30 after the switch 31 operates, the motor 14 will only complete one operation and then stop, thus preventing pumping of the switch 1 if the control switch is held in its operative position.

My invention is not limited to the specific structure illustrated, as it may be variously modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In an electrical system the combination with a main switch and a motor for actuating the same, of a control switch for the motor, and motor-actuated means for rendering the control switch inoperative to effect the motor operation so long as the main switch is out of its full-open or its fullclosed position.

2. A switch-operating mechanism comprising a casing having an opening, a door for closing the opening, a switch, a motor for operating the switch located within the casing, an electric circuit for the motor, a

driving device located within the casing and accessible through the said opening for operatively connecting the motor to the switch and permitting manual operation of the switch independently of the motor, and mean-s for interrupting the circuit of the motor when the said door is opened.

3. A switch-o rating mechanism comprising a casing aving a main and an auxiliary door, a main switch, a motor within the casing for actuating the switch, a driving mechanism within the casing operatively connected to the switch and a ratchet device connected between the motor and the lever mechanism, said driving mechanism being accessible only through said auxiliary door.

4. A switch-operating mechanism comprising a main switch, a motor for operating the main switch, a remotely-disposed control switch, a magnet switch for the motor controlled by the control switch, a transmission mechanism between the main switch and the motor, and means actuated by the initial movement of the transmission mechanism for short-circuiting the magnet switch to render the motor non-responsive to the operation of the control switch.

Switch mechanism comprising a disconnecting switch, a casing having an opening therein, a movable cover for closing the opening, an electric motor within the casing for operatin the main switch, an electric circuit for the motor, transmission mechanism connecting the main switch with the motor, located within the casing and accessible for manual operation through the open ing in the casing, a switch for controlling the motor lo-ated exteriorly of the casing at a remote point, and an auxiliary switch within the casing adapted to be moved to open position for opening the motor circuit when the cover is moved to open position.

6. Switch mechanism comprising a disconnecting switch, a casing having an opening therein, a movable cover for closing the opening, an electric motor within the casing for operating the main switch, transmission mechanism connecting the switch with the motor, located within the casing and accessible for manual operation through the opening in the casing, a switch for controlling the motor, located exteriorly of the casing at a remote point, an auxiliary switch located within the casing having means for normally holding the switch in open position, and means engaged by the cover when the cover is in closed position for holding the switch in closed position when the cover is in closed position.

7. Switch mechanism comprising a disconnecting switch, a casing having an opening therein, a movable cover for closing the opening, an electric motor within the casing for operating the main switch, an electric circuit for the motor, transmission mechanism connecting the main switch with the motor, located within the casing and accessible for manual operation through the 0 ening in the casing, a switch for control ing the motor, operable from a point exterior of the casing, and an auxiliary switch operable by the cover for opening the motor circuit when the cover is moved to open position.

8. Switch mechanism comprising a main switch movable to open and to closed position, an electric motor for o crating the main switch, a current-supply circuit for the motor, a circuit through the motor having a control switch controlled by the motor for opening the circuit when the main switch has been moved to open and to closed position, an electrically-operated switch for closing the motor circuit for starting the motor while the motor-controlled switch is in open position, a manually-operable switch for controlling the electrically-operated switch, and a secondary switch actuated by the motor for neutralizing the effect of the manually-operable switch upon the electrically-operated switch after a predetermined movement of the motor.

9. Switch mechanism comprising a main switch movable to open and to closed position, an electric motor for operating the main switch, a current-supply circuit for the motor, a circuit through the motor having a control switch controlled by the motor for opening the circuit when the main switch has been moved to open and to closed position, an electrically-operated switch for closing the motor circuit for starting the motor while the motor-controlled switch is in open position, a manually operable switch for controlling the electrically-operated switch, a secondar switch actuated b the motor for neutra izing the effect 0 the manually-operable switch upon the electrically-operated switch after a predetermined movement of the motor, and electrically-operated signals controlled by the said secondary switch for indicating the relative position of the main switch,

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name this 31st day of Jan.,

ERNEST K. READ. 

